“I do, sir,” she answered. “I am so wonderstruck that I hardly know how to comport myself, or to thank you sufficiently for the interest you have taken in the welfare of one who was to you a perfect stranger.”
“I have had a duty to perform which I have endeavoured to carry out to the best of my ability,” answered Mr. Chicknell. “I may observe that it was a difficult and delicate task, but it is at all times a pleasure to me to meet with the approval of my client and yourself.”
While these few remarks were being made the earl had been gazing intently on the young woman, and he nearly lost his self-possession as his eyes fell upon her beautiful face.
Aveline, who did not know very well what to say or do, observed, quietly, to the earl—
“I am sure you will love me for my dear mother’s sake.”
She had all the Ethalwood grace of manner and movement.
The earl was touched, for she had crept up to him and laid her hand gently on his arm.
He kissed her on the forehead; he looked at the violet eyes, with their golden light; he laid his hand on the shining masses of waving hair.
Then he sighed.
He was thinking of other and earlier days in his troubled life.